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Partial Language Competence

Author

Listed:
  • Hagenbach, Jeanne
  • Koessler, Frédéric

Abstract

This paper proposes an equilibrium concept, Language-Based Expectation Equilibrium, which accounts for partial language understanding in sender-receiver cheap talk games. Each player has a privately known language competence representing all the messages that he understands. For the messages he does not understand, he has correct but coarse expectations about the equilibrium strategies of the other player. In general, a language-based expectation equilibrium outcome differs from Nash and communication equilibrium outcomes, but is always a Bayesian solution. Partial language competence of the sender rationalizes information transmission and lies in pure persuasion problems, and facilitates information transmission from a moderately biased sender.

Suggested Citation

  • Hagenbach, Jeanne & Koessler, Frédéric, 2019. "Partial Language Competence," CEPR Discussion Papers 13488, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:13488
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Analogy-based expectations; Bayesian solution; Bounded rationality; Cheap talk; Language;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design

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